More than $1,500 was raised for the Secaucus Animal Shelter at its June flea market in the Meadowlands Hospital parking lot, money that will go to animals’ veterinary bills and hopefully a shelter expansion.

“The flea market went very, very well,” said Councilwoman Susan Pirro. Even with 90-degree temperatures, dozens came out.

“The money will be going directly to the care of the animals and their well being,” Pirro said. The town-run shelter recently had a not-for-profit formed, and the group, headed by resident Chris Conte, will work to plan more fundraisers, as well as increase pet adoptions.

Improvements to the Meadowlands Parkway facility may include a new isolation room and additional surveillance cameras. A mobile adoption unit is also a possibility.

“We’d like to get, in the future, a small vehicle like a van to use specifically for adoptions,” said Pirro. We’d like to take the show on the road, basically.”

This is because although much of the town’s pet adoptions come from Hudson County residents, many who adopt also come from southern Bergen and Passaic counties.

_____________ “It’s a good chance for me and my sisters to clean out our apartments.” – Carolyn Cahoon____________

Pirro is the council’s liaison to the shelter, heads the volunteer committee, and recently became the treasurer for the non-profit. She also organizes adoption events and fundraisers.

Flea market

On a day when many people were looking to stay in because of the heat, many others thought it was the perfect time to head to the flea market to buy or sell bargains.

“It’s our first year here, and it’s good,” said Avie Cabral. “So far, so good. We’ve been selling.” Cabral was there with her husband, after emptying out her garage of unneeded possessions.

Kim Krentcil was there with her family selling an assortment of new hair accessories, hats, headbands, and other items. Krentcil is a town native, Secaucus High School graduate, and former resident of Harmon Cove who now lives in Florham Park.

Carolyn Cahoon of Chee’s Chic Boutique in Princeton had traveled north to sell at the urging of her daughter, Kara Hopkins.

“My daughter lives in Secaucus and she said, ‘Come up, mom,’ ” Carolyn said. “It’s a good chance for me and my sisters to clean out our apartments.”

Vendors, sellers, shelter volunteers, local businesses, and the town hospital all pitched in to make the event a success.

“We thank the Meadowlands for allowing us to use their parking lot for the flea market,” Pirro said. “They’re a great part of the community and they’re always looking to help any way they can.” At the event, that assistance included free blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol screenings.

Donating to animals

Rosa Calderon and Lydia Figueroa donated the $110 in proceeds from their two tables directly to the animal shelter at day’s end, personal contributions from the two civic-minded residents.

In addition, a “Paws for Coffee Day” fundraiser was held for the shelter at the Meadowlands Parkway Dunkin’ Donuts two weeks later on June 15. A few hundred dollars – 15 percent of the day’s proceeds – were donated to the shelter by Dunkin’ Donuts, according to Pirro. In addition, two kittens and an adult cat were adopted that day.

The Secaucus-based Freshpet mobile van was present at both fundraisers and donated more than 100 pounds of their food to attendees.

The shelter also had a booth at the Secaucus Hometown Fair the weekend of June 7 to 9.

Watch for upcoming fundraisers

Other upcoming shelter fundraisers include:

*Buff’s Car Wash, 60 County Ave., on July 21, 12 to 4 p.m., will donate 25 percent of its proceeds during that time period. Buff’s is also giving out a free air freshener and magnet to each customer.

*North Shore Animal League adoption van, Harmon Meadow, across from Houlihan’s July 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How to adopt animals

For information on fundraisers, adoptions, or volunteering, contact Pirro at (201) 362-4435.

The Secaucus Animal Shelter is a “no-kill” shelter, dedicated to saving animals. Its mission is “to rescue abandoned, abused and injured animals; rehabilitate them, have them vaccinated, spayed or neutered; and find them loving adoptive homes,” according to its website.

The shelter is located at 525 Meadowlands Pkwy. It has a satellite facility at the Community Center, 145 Front St., which is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call (201) 348-3213 or visit http://www.sasnj.org.